Rugby is out performing satellite towns across the country

Joanna Hunt

Rugby Borough Council has welcomed independent analysis that shows that Rugby is out performing satellite towns across the country.

The Talk of the Town report, by think tank Demos, showed that three in five cities out perform their satellite towns - but that Rugby bucks the trend.

Talk of the Town was undertaken to map the fortunes of the satellite towns orbiting 21 of England’s largest cities, and to better understand their distinct characteristics. Rugby is one of just 16 towns to out perform its neighbouring city.

The study looked at 30 different indicators covering commerce, crime, education and skills, employment, health, household characteristics, housing, political participation, public health and wellbeing, and transport.

Ally Paget, report co-author, said: “The findings of this report suggest that the majority of English satellite towns are eclipsed by their nearest cities in some of the most important respects – such as residents’ health and level of qualifications.

“It is clear that, for better or worse, England’s towns have different social and economic circumstances from their urban neighbours.

“If efforts at securing growth are too focused on cities, ignoring what towns need and what they have to offer, there is a very real danger that England’s towns will continue to be left behind.”

Cllr Michael Stokes, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “This report is a clear warning that towns and districts that do not pursue economic growth risk becoming over-shadowed by their larger neighbours.

“Rugby Borough Council has made the decision to make sure that Rugby is well and truly open to business, with policies and procedures that help them to deliver economic growth.

“We will continue to pursue this strategy, while also working with our partners on wider issues such as keeping crime levels low, investing in health prevention measures and good quality housing, all of which are helping to make Rugby a great place to live.

“This report shows that all of this is delivering socio-economic benefits to our residents.”